Edward J. Metzen

Edward J. Metzen of Columbia passed away on December 26, 2015 surrounded by his family. He was born on February 8, 1933 to the late Felix and Margaret Guldan Metzen in New Ulm, Minnesota. He is survived by his wife, Anita Owens Metzen.

He graduated from New Ulm High School in 1950 where he was a quarterback on the football team, played basketball and was catcher on the baseball team. His love for all sports endured throughout his life. He obtained his undergraduate degree in three years from Mankato State University, his Masters from the University of Minnesota and Doctorate from University of Missouri-Columbia. He taught at Stephens College for eight years, and in 1966 he became a faculty member at the University of Missouri. He served as Chair of the Consumer and Family Economics Department, holding this position until his retirement in 2000. He was a well-known and respected leader in his field. During his tenure, he was advisor to many doctoral candidates and received numerous academic awards.

Aside from the joy and pride he had in his professional career, he liked to travel and relished annual family vacations that were typically spent camping out west in the mountains he so dearly loved. His lifelong hobby was breeding and showing Modena pigeons and is a hobby he resumed after his retirement. He also enjoyed dancing, a good cold beer, chocolate, lively music, especially Willie Nelson, and spending time with family.

He is survived by and will be dearly missed and thought of fondly by his wife, Anita; children Greg Metzen (Glennda), Kathy Smithee, Steve Metzen, and Melanie West (Kevin). He has four grandchildren Heather Smithee, Jeremiah Metzen, Joshua Metzen and Jolene Metzen and two great-grandchildren, Matthew Moher and Athena Stancil. There are also three step-children, Pete Barsness (Lori), Kelly Puerling (John) and Lynda Tomaz (Rick); seven step-grandchildren, Brandon Barsness, Erik Barsness, Sammi Puerling Littel (Jason), Jessi Puerling, Danny Puerling, Trevor Tomaz and Ian Tomaz and two step-great grandchildren, Devin and Cayden Littel.